Harper’s silence on anti-Muslim backlash disheartens Muslim groups

OTTAWA – Muslim groups are disappointed that Stephen Harper hasn’t spoken out against a spike in anti-Muslim hate crimes since two separate attacks by jihadist sympathizers left two Canadian soldiers dead last week.

. . .

“Our leaders have a very important role to play,” concurred Amira Elghawaby, human rights co-ordinator for the National Council of Canadian Muslims.

“It’s the leaders who have to set the positive tone.”

Immediately following the 9-11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, Elghawaby noted that then-prime minister Jean Chretien visited a mosque “just to show Canadians that there’s no such thing as collective guilt.”

She said her group expects Harper, “as leader of our country, to speak up for the minorities that live here.”

“He has a responsibility to represent everyone and certainly Canadian Muslim communities are extremely worried about a backlash and I think that needs to be spoken to.” …

Contact

NATIONAL OFFICE:
P.O. Box 13219
Ottawa, ON
K2K 1X4

QUÉBEC OFFICE:
CP 606 Succ. Saint-Laurent
Montréal, QC
H4L 4V9

tel: 1-866-524-0004
fax: 613-254-9810
email: info@nccm.ca

Testimonials

Amnesty International Canada has worked closely with the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) for over a decade. I encourage all Canadians to support the NCCM’s important work in being a leading voice that encourages civic engagement and the promotion of human rights.